Author Archives: Keith Van Sickle

Destination Christmas: Strasbourg vs Provence

Posted on by
Reply

Strasbourg is known as “the Christmas capital of Europe,” with its festive mood, lights and holiday magic. The city gives you the feeling that if you were to bite into any of its buildings, they would taste like gingerbread and chocolate.

But is it the best place to experience a real French Christmas? I think not.

In Provence you’ll find festive local markets, colorful parades like the bravade calendale, and santons galore. There won’t be the crush of international tourists you’ll find in Strasbourg, and the weather will be much better than way up north.

One of my colleagues and I have debated which is the best Christmas destination. Who’s right? See what we have to say and decide for yourself!

Read all about it in Frenchly!

Everything You Need to Know About French Butter

Posted on by
Reply

Butter is one of the glories of French cuisine. It’s a key ingredient in those flaky pastries and lighter-than-air croissants we love so much. And is there anything better than a smear of French butter on a slice of crusty baguette?

But why is it so good?

Lucky me, I was asked by the French butter association (yes, there is such a thing) to write about French butter. They even offered to send me a bunch of samples. What could I say but yes?

Now I know all about French butter and why it is so good. I even organized a butter tasting to compare it to American butter (spoiler alert: the French win.)

Read all about it in Frenchly!

France’s 3 Digital Art Centers

Posted on by
Reply

Val and I visited Bordeaux this spring and saw something really remarkable: a former Nazi submarine base that had been turned into a digital art center. It was incredible! Beautiful art was projected onto the walls and reflected off the water, while lovely music played. Something that had once been a place of war had been turned into a place of beauty. It was the highlight of our visit.

This is one of three such digital art centers in France. There is also one in Paris, inside an old factory. And the place it all started is in Provence, in an abandoned quarry inside a mountain. They are all fantastic places to visit, brilliant and creative and so French.

Read all about them in France Today!

What Do They Call It?

Posted on by
Reply

If you’ve been to France, you’ve probably had a luscious pain au chocolat for breakfast (they are irresistible!) Or maybe some croûtons in your salad. And if you were feeling adventurous, perhaps a few escargot drenched in butter.

I was surprised to learn that not all French people use the terms pain au chocolat, croûton, and escargot! There are regional variations in France, as in a lot of countries, and a French professor has written a fun book about them. Now I know that if I’m in Toulouse, I’d better order a chocolatine if I want that breakfast treat.

Read about some of these interesting regional terms in My French Life!

A Dog’s Life in France

Posted on by
Reply

I’ll admit it, I’m crazy about my dog Mica. When Val and I go to Provence every year, there’s no way we can leave her behind! So off she goes, with her toys and her Pet Passport (yes, it’s a thing.)

Mica goes everywhere with us, from strolls in town to places we explore. She helps us get our exercise and meet new people. I’ve written a little piece about having a dog in France that you might enjoy.

Read all about it in France Today!

How to Retire in France: A 6-Step Guide

Posted on by
Reply

Frenchly has published a helpful guide on moving to France, and I was one of the people they interviewed for it.

The guide covers a lot of ground: how to decide where to live, buying versus renting, how to purchase a property, obtaining visas, health insurance, and more. It’s a great overview for people considering a move to la belle France.

Read all about it in Frenchly!

A Dog’s Life in France

Posted on by
Reply

Ever since we got married, Val and I have had a dog. First there was Rodin, who moved with us to Switzerland when we took jobs there. Then there was Lucca, who flew back and forth from California to Provence when we started living there part-time. Now it’s Mica, our cute little border collie mix, who has traveled between our two homes plenty of times. 

Mica’s not crazy about the long flight (neither are we), but once she gets to France she loves her life there. And we love our life with her–she keeps us active, helps us meet people, and shares her love all around.

I’ve written a fun little article about having a dog in France that you might enjoy, in France Today.

A Beautiful Art, Wine, and Food Center in Provence

Posted on by
Reply

Just minutes from Aix-en-Provence is a site unique in the region: Château La Coste. Whether you enjoy food, wine, art, or all three, it is definitely worth a stop.

Twenty years ago, Château La Coste was an unremarkable winery set in a beautiful location. Then a new owner decided to change things up. He dramatically upgraded the quality of the wines, hired the world-famous architect Tadao Ando to design an art center, and invited sculptors from around the world to work their magic around the property. Oh, and he added six restaurants, a luxury hotel, and a wellness center.

Today Château La Coste is a definite stop to add to your Provençal itinerary, whether for a meal, a stay, or just to taste wine and enjoy spectacular artworks.

Read all about it in Frenchly!

Southern Rhône Valley Wine Guide

Posted on by
Reply

I’m sometimes asked about my favorite wines, and it always makes me think of France’s Rhône Valley. It’s long and skinny, going from Lyon down almost to the Mediterranean Sea, and it has wonderful wines at all price points.

I’ve written a couple of guides to these wines, because the wines are different in the northern and southern parts of this region. My guides aren’t too complicated or wine geeky, just some basic information that might be helpful to someone interested in learning more. I’ve previously written about the wines of the northern Rhône and this guide is about the south.

Read about some of my favorite wines in The Wine Scribes!